Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team

Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) is a national initiative aimed at strengthening cyber security in Pakistan. PKCERT was established to counter the growing cyber threats and hacking attempts targeting various public sector entities.

History
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) on 12 October 2023 announced the formation of the country's first National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). The development was aimed at keeping Pakistan's cyberspace safe from ever-emerging threats and hacking. Attempt to target public sector institutions.

The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan approved the Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Rule 2023 on 17 July 2023. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication officially notified the CERT Rules on 13 October 2023.

Role and responsibilities
The primary objective of these CERT teams at both the national and sectoral levels is to enhance Pakistan's overall cyber security posture and resilience. CERTs are responsible for protecting against, detecting and responding to cyber security incidents, and will enhance the country's capacity to manage cyber security incidents. The recently established CERT team is assigned to create a national framework that will manage responses to threats, assaults on vital infrastructure, information systems, data, or extensive breaches of information systems throughout Pakistan.